Cambridge United experience is one to savour for Newmarket Town Women

It has been an historic season for Newmarket Town Women – and they will be rewarded on Tuesday with a first ever appearance at The Abbey Stadium (7.30pm).

Kevin Parsons’ side have already ensured they will finish higher than ever before in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Division One North.

Newmarket currently sit in second and while they are likely to be leapfrogged by Biggleswade United, a third place finish will surpass their previous best of fifth.

And they have also rewritten the history books in the Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup after reaching the final for the first time.

The pressure is off in a lot of respects given that opponents Cambridge City ply their trade two leagues higher, leaving Parsons to call for his players to enjoy the experience of turning out at the home of Cambridge United.

Parsons said: “The competition has been dominated by Cambridge United and Cambridge City, so this is the first time we’ve made the final and we’re all so pleased with that.

“It is going to be a fantastic night for the team.

“There is no pressure on us because they are two leagues above so it’s a night we can go out and enjoy.

“We’ll look to be defensively organised and do our jobs but when we have the ball hopefully we can express ourselves and show what we can do.

“We’ve made some really good progress this season with the highest league finish and Tuesday will cap it nicely.”

As well as the success of the first team, the Women’s Development side have made it through to the Cambridgeshire Junior Invitation Cup final – highlighting the growing strength of the club’s female section.

Parsons added: “Shane Lebbon (current development team manager) deserves a lot of the credit because he really re-energised the ladies’ and girls’ set-up.

“We’ve got a team at every age group bar one and the section is as strong as it has ever been.

“I’m keen to give youngsters opportunities and they’ve grabbed those with both hands.

“The average age of our team is around 20 and the development side is even younger so it’s only going to get stronger.

“The development side getting into a cup final is a big achievement – they’re continuing the pathway with Shane brilliantly.”

Captain Beth Woodfield is set to be Newmarket’s only absentee on Tuesday because of a knee ligament injury.

“It’s gutting Beth isn’t playing. She’s a big loss but she’ll be in the changing room before the game – we want her to be a part of things,” added Parsons.